Read Online Hidden in Shadows by Hope White - Free Book Online Page A

safe.
    Not an easy assignment for Luke. She was bright and cheerful, even in the face of danger. He suspected she got that energy from God, something Luke had turned his back on years ago. She was lucky to have that kind of faith.
    He wasn’t sure he knew how to comfort a traumatized Krista, but her faith kept her strong.
    â€œComfort her? What are you thinking about?” he muttered.
    This wasn’t about Krista, the woman. It was about Krista, his lead to busting a major drug dealer. Losing his perspectivecould get them both hurt, or worse. Garcia showed no mercy when dealing with his enemies. He killed as easily as he ate lunch.
    With that thought, he marched back into the clinic to find Krista. He wasn’t sure why this woman got to him and he didn’t care. He’d fight it, shove the edginess deep down so it wouldn’t cloud his goal: nailing Garcia.
    And getting out of Wentworth.
    Â 
    â€œI’m really fine,” Krista said, as Luke walked her to his car.
    He eyed her with suspicion.
    â€œOkay, so I have a headache.” She pinched her forefinger and thumb together. “A teensy one.”
    â€œYou’re lucky you only have a minor concussion.”
    â€œI’m lucky you showed up when you did. That’s twice now.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. Just so we’re clear, I’m officially taking the job as your handyman and personal bodyguard. No discussion.”
    â€œI’m too tired to argue.”
    â€œGood.” He opened the car door.
    â€œKrista? Krista!” Alan called, rushing across the parking lot.
    â€œHi, Alan.”
    The man ignored Luke and hugged Krista. With a sigh she pressed her cheek against his chest. Luke clenched his jaw.
    â€œI’m fine.” Krista broke the embrace. “I’m really fine.”
    â€œYou need to close the shop,” Alan said. “At least until this guy’s caught.”
    â€œAbsolutely not. If I close for a few days this time of year I might as well close up for good.”
    â€œIs it worth your life?”
    â€œHey,” Luke warned. “No one’s out to kill her.”
    Alan turned to Luke. “You don’t know that.”
    â€œWho on earth would want to hurt this sweet woman?” Luke let slip.
    â€œI have no idea, but twice in twenty-four hours—”
    â€œEnough. I need to get her home to rest.”
    Krista was looking a little pale.
    â€œI’ll take her,” Alan said, puffing out his chest.
    â€œI’ve got it, thanks.”
    Alan blocked Luke from Krista. Luke didn’t want trouble, although he was tempted to put this guy in a headlock and leave him gasping in the parking lot.
    â€œLook, man,” Luke started. “The chief will have my head if I don’t do exactly what he asked. He asked me to see Krista safely home.”
    Luke stepped around the guy and opened the car door for Krista.
    â€œThanks,” Krista said to Alan, then slid into the front seat. Luke shut the door and turned to Alan.
    â€œIf you know anything about someone wanting to hurt her, you’d better tell the chief.”
    The man’s face hardened. “I don’t know anything.”
    Luke studied the guy, his receding hairline, cold, judgmental eyes and thin lips. He fit way too many criminal profiles for Luke’s taste.
    â€œGood night.” With a curt nod, Luke got behind the wheel and pulled out.
    Just as he’d suspected, Alan was trying to make Krista nervous with his comment about her choosing between the tea shop and her life. What a ridiculous statement, at least for a local who knew nothing about the possible drug connection to Peace Church. It seemed to Luke that Alan’s goal was to frighten Krista into giving up her business, giving up her independence, so she’d be dependent on others. On Alan, perhaps?
    Now there’s a manipulative way to get the girl of your dreams. Didn’t take Luke long to figure out Alan had